RooCatholic Campus Ministry "a place to belong."

Who We Are: Newman Campus Ministry at the University of Akron

RooCatholic is part of OUR DIOCESAN MINISTRY

The mission of Newman Catholic Campus Ministry is to gather students attending non-Catholic colleges and universities in the Diocese of Cleveland in order to strengthen their faith and Catholic identity through:

• Participation in a worshiping community of faith
• Increased understanding of Catholic teaching & tradition
• Education, action and reflection on peace and justice issues
• Leadership development
• Opportunities for personal development and spiritual formation
• Making connections between faith and life

RooCatholic has been an instrument of the Holy Spirit, providing a joyful and faithful community for all students here at the University of Akron. Members of this group grow in understanding of the Catholic Church and our call to go out into the world as missionary disciples, bringing the joy and love of the Gospel to all those we meet.  Not only do students deepen their relationship with Christ, but they are transformed into influential leaders of the parish, that are passionate about the faith. If you are looking for authentic community, service opportunities, and an environment where you can grow in your spiritual life, come and join us at RooCatholic to have your life transformed! Regardless of where you are in your journey of faith, we welcome you. RooCatholic gathers in the Newman Center every Wednesday evening, starting with dinner at 6:30 pm, followed by a presentation and social time. Our student mass is on Sundays at 8 pm in St. Bernard's, with contemporary music led by the talented Jennifer Jesser.  Under the direction of the Campus Minister, Christa Alaburda, and the student leadership team, the St. Bernard Parish community is happy to welcome and assist the University of Akron students and faculty during their academic career. 

RooCatholic’s mission is to witness the Catholic faith to The University of Akron, be nourished by the sacraments, edified by the formation, and strengthened by the community for the greater glory of God.

The purpose of this organization is to create an environment for Catholic students to practice and deepen their faith, while welcoming students of all faith backgrounds, and helping one another to encounter Christ. Spiritual and educational development, as well as social and service activities, will help us grow in our relationships with God and each other, as we integrate a commitment to Christian values within our lifelong vocation to serving the Lord.

The RooCatholic Program strives to:

• Provide a gathering place for students to meet and share their faith identity with others
• Provide learning and educational opportunities on faith-topics of interest
• Provide students an opportunity to offer service to those in need.  Whether food, clothing, tutoring to those less fortunate 
  1. St. Bernard Meal Ministry Programs
  2. Cross Catholic Outreach — “ShoeBox Christmas”
  3. St. Mary Akron School Tutoring
• Provide students with “faith-formation” opportunities:
  1. Weekly liturgies, including Sunday Evening Student Mass and Tuesday Candlelight Mass
  2. Communal prayer opportunities
  3. Bible Studies and faith-sharing groups
  4. Social activities, including “Catholic Crunch”, and other opportunities to gather after student liturgies
• In conjunction with St. Bernard and neighboring parishes, RooCatholic has served as an integral partner in the faith formation through the annual RCIA Faith Formation Program.
• Our goal is to underwrite costs associated with an alternate Spring Break experience for students that will form them in service and missionary discipleship.

Your consideration in donating to RooCatholic is greatly appreciated - “RooCatholic: A Place to Belong.”